Late Deacon Baba James Okpanachi of Otukpogene Ogugu Centre of Olamaboro Local Government Area Of Kogi State who passed on 28th December, 2019 has been laid to rest amidst tears by family members and loved ones.
In an all night wake keep held at his resident Ojede Owele Ankpa on 16th January, 2020, Rev Solomon Salami admonished Christians to live Christ like life in order to be sure of eternal life”.
He extolled life style of Late Deacon Baba James Okpanachi which he observed was worthy of emulation as he served God with all honesty and dedication.
As part of activities to mark burial ceremony, there was also commendation service at UEC Owele Ankpa where some groups of individuals and family members testified the good life style of late Deacon Baba James Okpanachi.
In a solemn voice, the wife of Late Deacon Baba James Okpanachi, Mrs Christiana thanked God for the life of her husband and that even in trials and tribulations she suffered with late husband, she is still remain grateful to God.
To his two children; Mrs Utenwuojo Emmanuel and Mrs Bright Anone Okpanachi who spoke on behalf of the family, they said separately that: “Late Deacon Baba James Okpanachi was a disciplinarian and a just man whose life’s style has groomed the children” says, Mrs Utenwuojo Emmanuel and to Mr Bright Anone Okpanachi whose many considered as his look alike, “the death of his beloved Dad has thought him that ” is not how long one lives but the impact one makes out of life within the time frame one lives life” stressing that his late Dad has lived a fulfilled life dedicated for serving God and humanity adding that the family would sure miss his wise counsel.
Earlier, at the commendation service, Rev Enemi Obaje who spoke briefly on the purpose of man existence, said man’s purpose of existence is to serve God and humanity.
He went further to appreciate the wife of the deceased, Mrs Christiana Okpanachi for standing firm and faithful to her husband amidst protracted illness and trials.
Rev Enemi Obaje, however enjoined the siblings of the deceased not to forsake the woman as he said, she deserves their love, resources and time.
Also speaking at the event, the eldest son of the deceased, Mr Christopher Okpanachi red the biography of his Dad as follows ”
“Cheif Deacon James Baba Okpanachi was born on the 1st of January 1945 to the family of Pa Okpanachi Ojaogibo at Otukpogene in the then Ankpa local government area.
He was however brought up by late Elder Peter Zekeri Okpanachi at Aloma.
He started his educational career from LGEA primary school Ogbagebe between 1951- 1956.
He later proceded to LGEA primary school Aloma between 1957 – 1958 where he completed his class 7 ( Steven).
As a result of his quest for knowledge, self development and desire for education, he proceded to VOM Teaching Hospital Jos where he obtained a certificate in Nursing in 1966.
HIS CAREER
Upon graduation as a certified Nurse, he picked up his first appointment as OC Compound with Idah General Hospital on the 4th January, 1967.
His career took him to General Hospital Gboko as a Senior Nursing Officer; General Hospital Dekina as a Principal Nursing Superintendent; Otukpo General Hospital as an Assistant Chief Nursing Officer and Ankpa General Hospital where he retired as a Chief Nursing Officer.
Due to his meritorious service, he was subsequently appointed as a member board of Governor at the holy memorial hospital Ochadamu between 1999 – 2001.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
Chief Deacon James Baba Okpanachi knew Jesus Christ as his saviour and Lord right from his early life.
He joined the Sunday School Teaching Crew from Emmanuel Baptist Church Idah, the then Qua Iboe Church in Otukpo, Qua Iboe Church Ankpa center and to UEC owele and actually participated in evangelism.
He loved reading his Bible and was vast in memorising passages of the Holy scripture.
His quest to know more about our Lord Jesus Christ and his teaching made him enrolled into Christ Merciful Bible College Ankpa where he obtained Diploma in Theology.
He was baptised on the 2nd December, 1961 at Otukpogene and was recognized as a Deacon of the then Qua Iboe Church now United Evangelical Church in the year 1989.
PERSONALITY/ CHARACTER
Chief Deacon James Baba Okpanachi was an amazing, humble, respectful, loving, kind and an up right person.
He had always demonstrated his deep feelings of concern for those facing challenges and would always offer to assist no matter how scarce his resources were.
In character, he was always blunt with the truth and always side justice.
He was a disciplinarian and spared no one in the house when such person erred.
He taught his children to always stand for what is right.
MARITAL LIFE
Chief Deacon James Baba Okpanachi got married to his wife, Christiana Okpanachi on the 11th December 1971 at the then Qua Iboe Church Ofabo in a marriage that was officiated by Late Elder P Zekeri.
The marriage was blessed with seven children.
Chief Deacon James Baba Okpanachi was transformed to eternal glory at about 8:35 am on 28th December, 2019 at his resident in Ankpa after a protracted illness to God be the glory”.
Meanwhile, the body of late Deacon Baba James Okpanachi was later lower to the grave at his home town Okegbi Ogugu Centre at about 4:45pm on 17th January 2020.
From all of us at OurWorldGist, we pray to God to give his immediate family, his Church members and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss… As we say Adieu to Late Baba James Okpanachi
